AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 24 of 61 14 Dec 2012 The next day, we were taken for a river cruise with an on board cultural programme followed by lunch. The entire event was arranged by 14 Indep Engr Bde of the Bangladesh Army in a troop carrier ship from their boat site at Postogola on the river Padma. The cruise for over 5 hours across the three rivers Bhuri Ganga, Turag and Padma was very enjoyable. The party included the civilian guests of honour invited by the Govt of Bangladesh from all over the world who had helped them in various ways in their freedom struggle. It was a good interaction to understand the role they had played. There was a display of photographs pertaining to the Freedom Struggle, welcoming the Indian Armed forces to Dhaka. I had carried a set of snaps that I had taken of my battle action and had pasted them in a folder with captions. I also showed the original post card with East Pakistan stamp but over stamped as Bangladesh - posted from Dhaka railway station and addressed to my then 8 year old son in 108 Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. The efficiency of the Postal department in the new born democracy was demonstrated as my son received it a week later. Several people and the Army authorities made copies for their official record of their country 41 years ago. The onboard cultural programme of dance, music, band tunes and speeches by the organizers was vibrant, interesting and enjoyable although it was all in Bengali language. After a tasty and sumptuous lunch and group photograph, we returned to get ready for the function hosted by the Foreign Minister HE Dr Dipu Moni. The programme “An Evening of Remembrance” was staged at the tastefully decorated winter Garden of the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel. After the welcome speech by the Foreign Minister, a Video Documentary on the Rayer Bazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial was projected. This was followed by some honourees and the invited family members of the martyred intellectuals, sharing their experiences. It was a solemn function and was conducted with dignity. 15 Dec 2012 On the morning of 15 Dec 2012, the fourth phase of programme to recognize and honour Foreign Head of States, Politicians, Philosophers, Musicians, Writers, Intellectuals, Eminent Citizens and Organizations for their outstanding contribution towards the Liberation War of 1971, was organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The venue was the prestigious Bangabandu International Conference Centre at Dhaka, a high security area with surveillance and security procedures. Over 60 personalities were selected from across the world and there were several Indians among those who were honoured. To name a few, Shaheed Sepoy Anusuya Prasad, MVC, 10 Mahar Regiment, for his brave action in the battle of Shamshernagar in Sylhet, which, enabled the capture of the Airport. He was awarded the FRIENDS OF LIBERATION WAR HONOUR (Posthumous) which was received by his wife. (Late) Maj Gen Gandhav Nagra, 4 GR in recognition of his war tactics and bravery in the face of the enemy on 16 Dec 1971 at Mirpur near Dhaka. He was also awarded the FRIENDS OF LIBERATION WAR HONOUR (Posthumous). The award was received by his son Brigadier Nagra. The citations of the award winners were read and presentations made to them individually by the Prime Minister HE Mrs Sheik Hasina, in a very dignified and solemn ceremony. In the thanksgiving speech the PM, paid glorious tributes to the Indian Nation, the Indian government and the Indian Army for the major role played by their bravery and sacrifice thus enabling the creation of Bangladesh. She welcomed the Defence Delegation of War Veterans from India and said that it was a small gesture from her government for the immense contribution during the liberation war of 1971. In the afternoon we visited the Bangabandu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi, the family residence of Late Bangabandu Sheik Mujibur Rehman. After his and the family’s assassination in the same house in 1975, it has been converted in to a Museum.